Historic Preservation & Advocacy
Preservation of historic buildings and sites has been an important part of the La Jolla Historical Society since the mid-1970s when the first buildings within the Scripps/Gill cultural zone such as the La Jolla Woman’s Club were recognized for the pioneering civic architecture of early modernist Irving Gill’s collaborations with philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps.
LJHS works regularly with the City of San Diego Historical Resources Board and community groups such as such as Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO) in building public awareness of community history and architecture, serving as an archival resource for research and developing a variety of programs including lectures, workshops and events devoted to preservation. The designation process itself is carried out through the City of San Diego as well as through state and national government agencies.
La Jolla’s historic structures include bungalow/beach cottages that became the vernacular building style of late 19th and early 20th centuries; homes and buildings of the 1920s Spanish Revival era and those of the midcentury modern years reflecting the California Ranch tradition mixed with elements of International Style. Approximately 200 sites in the region now have received historic designation.
The LJHS Preservation Committee, made up of dedicated volunteers, promotes and supports the continuing evolution of a quality-built environment through work with community planning groups and outreach programs within the parameters of San Diego County.
For questions regarding historic properties, the designation process, referrals to subject matter experts or access to research materials related to La Jolla properties, please contact the La Jolla Historical Society office at 858.459.5335 or info@lajollahistory.org.
To pursue an application for historical designation visit the City of San Diego Historic Resources Board website here.
Landmark Group & Jewel Awards
Another arm of LJHS’s historic preservation efforts is carried out through the La Jolla Landmark Group consisting of homeowners of designated sites who work to preserve architectural heritage through a variety of home tours, lectures, workshops and other events. Since its establishment in 2015, the group has spearheaded programs on a wide range of architects ranging from Irving Gill and Rudolph Schindler in the early 20th century, through the later periods of Thomas Shepherd and Edgar Ullrich and Mid-Century Modern era of Russell Forester, Robert Mosher, Henry Hester, Loch Crane and others.
Each year the Landmark Group also presents a Landmarks Week of special activities that culminates in a Jewel Award program recognizing La Jolla homeowners for restoration and preservation work on their properties.